Scottish Bagpipes to Honor Guiding Light

JUPITER - The Palm Beach Pipe & Drums will take tradition to new heights at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Saturday, April 19th at 9:00 pm, weather permitting, to honor the memory of lighthouse preservationist Cullen Chambers. Chambers, who passed away suddenly in January, was the executive director of Tybee Island Light Station/Tybee Island Historical Society and a national legend in historic preservation. Because he restored the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the Key West Lighthouse, and helped with the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse restoration, among many others, the Loxahatchee River Historical Society (LRHS) chose the evening of their Florida Lighthouse Day celebration to honor Cullen Chambers and his Scottish heritage.

That night the lighthouse tower will not be illuminated until the Palm Beach Pipe & Drums begin to play the bagpipes at 9:00 pm. The brief tribute at the top of the lighthouse will be followed by a traditional procession down the brick Pathway to History in honor of Chambers. Members of the Florida Lighthouse Association (FLA) will be admitted to the lighthouse grounds for this event. Others can view and listen to the Pipe & Drums from restaurants across the inlet. FLA members should call the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum at 561-747-8380 x101 for reservations.

Jamie Stuve, President & CEO of Loxahatchee River Historical Society stated, "Cullen was known as "Mr. Lighthouse" and was a remarkable man. Much like a lighthouse beacon, he was always altruistic and generous with his knowledge and time." She adds, "He was a brilliant preservationist and will be deeply missed by those of us who had the good fortune to rely on his expertise and charming good nature." Cullen advised on the planning and preservation techniques of the 1999-2000 restoration of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and served on the LRHS Advisory Board for over 10 years. He also helped restore countless historic structures and Light Stations in Florida, Georgia and around the nation. Ms. Annie Potts, a guest lecturer at the Lighthouse on April 17, 2014, was currently working with Cullen on the preservation of Lighthouses in the Bahamian Islands. The last remaining kerosene-lit lighthouse in the world, Elbow Key Lighthouse will also be paying tribute to Mr. Chambers that evening in their own unique way.

The citizens of Florida can join with us to honor Cullen Chambers by supporting the lighthouses in Florida that still need to be preserved and restored for the future. Funds raised by the Florida Lighthouse License Plate program are used to help restore our Florida Lights. Just recently, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum received a grant from the fund for $22,000 for urgently needed repairs to the roof of the Jupiter Light. To learn about the "Visit Our Lights" license plate program visit www.floridalighthouses.org. For information about Palm Beach Pipes & Drums visit www.palmbeachpipes.com. For information about Florida Lighthouse Day and the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, visit our calendar of events at www.jupiterlighthouse.org.

This story is contributed by a member of the community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with TCPalm.